Expiring health cards will be replaced with new cards that contain space for a photo
The Yukon’s new health cards will eventually feature fireweed on a mountain landscape, a photo of the user and better security — and won’t require stickers every year.
They will have staggered expiration dates, with reissuing occurring every five years, according to a press release.
Starting Jan. 29, Yukoners’ expiring health cards will be automatically replaced with new health-care cards delivered by mail, as noted in the release.
The cards will be given out to all Yukoners over the next year, per the release. Residents are being asked to update their contact information to ensure they receive their new card.
For security, new cards will contain anti-scan patterns, laser-receptive layers and unique document control, per the release.
They will also show organ donor status.
Yukoners can add French as their preferred language of care, with “FR” displayed on their card.
For seniors who are eligible for extended health benefits and pharmacare, their new card will streamline coverage for these benefits with a note that reads “PHARMACARE ASSURANCE-MÉDICAMENTS” on the bottom of the new card.
A new photo feature is set to launch in 2026. In the meantime, new cards will have space where photos will be added. The release states the cards will be valid without a photo.
“These cards are designed to enhance security and streamline access to vital health services. This initiative demonstrates our government’s focus on making health services more efficient and inclusive for all Yukoners,” Health Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee is quoted saying in the release.
The current cards can be used until they expire, according to the release.
The Yukon government’s press release initially advised Yukoners to update their health card information or request a new card by emailing their personal information like name, address, date of birth, phone number and Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan number, but the government has changed its advice in an updated press release.
To update one’s health card information or request a new card, Yukoners can now call 867-667-5209 or toll free within the Yukon at 1-800-661-0408, extension 5209.
“If Yukoners receive their card and the information is incorrect, they can phone 867-667-5209 or visit our Whitehorse office on the 4th floor, 204 Lambert Street, or any of the territorial agents in the rural communities,” the updated release reads.
After one’s new card arrives, the old one can be cut up and tossed out, as suggested in the release.
Yukon residents with a temporary address have the option of picking up their cards from the 4th floor of 204 Lambert St. in Whitehorse or at any of the territorial agents in rural communities.
While the new health cards, with photos included, can be used as government-issued photo identification, or ID, the Yukon government is advising against using the new health cards as ID, according to a spokesperson in communications for the health department.
“Once the photos are added individuals may choose to present it as ID; however, we do not encourage this practice, as the card includes the holder’s personal health insurance number,” the spokesperson said by email.
Contact Dana Hatherly at [email protected]